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Water Supply Reserve Account - Grant and Loan Program <br />Water Activity Summary Sheet <br />Applicant: Town of Fowler <br />Water Activity Name: Water Resource Development for the Town of Fowler, Colorado <br />Amount Requested: $190,000 <br />Source of Funds: $15,000 (Arkansas Basin Account) and $175,000 (Statewide Account) <br />Matching Funds: $47,000 <br />Water Activity Purpose: Structural water project or activity <br />County: Otero <br />Drainage Basin: Arkansas River <br />Water Sources: Tributary to Arkansas River <br />Staff Recommendation <br />Staff recommends approval of up to $15,000 from the Arkansas Basin Account and $190,000 from the <br />Statewide Account to help complete the Water Resource Development for the Town of Fowler, Colorado <br />project contingent on resolution of the item in the issues/additional needs section. <br />Water Activity Summary: <br />The Town of Fowler, is currently served raw water, for their potable water system, by the "North" Springs, <br />and "Hammond" Springs. Due to high levels of selenium in the "North" Springs water, an alternative water <br />supply is sought by the Town. Through previous studies and investigations, the development of the additional <br />springs will provide a sustainable clean raw water source allowing for the discontinuance of the existing North <br />Springs, which are the source of high levels of selenium. Preliminary testing data has shown that the Selenium levels <br />are much lower than the springs that the Town currently utilizes. <br />Presently, the Town is operating the Potable Water System under a Compliance Advisory, from the Colorado Department <br />of Public Health and Environment, due to slightly- elevated Selenium levels. The history of the raw water source (North <br />Springs) is that the Selenium levels have increased, over time. Also, in general, the water quality improves as the sources <br />move to the west. It is only a matter of time, if nothing is done, before Fowler will be under an enforcement order. The <br />Town would like to address this problem prior to an enforcement order being issued. <br />It should be noted that the Town is also requesting an additional WSRA grant in the amount of $91,000 to assist in the <br />funding of a "backfeed" line. This will provide for a greater level of flexibility in the water supply system. Currently, <br />some of the taps are provided water directly from the "North" Springs after being treated via chlorine chamber. The <br />proposed backfeed line will connect the new springs to the Town's potable water storage tanks that will allow the <br />mixing of different water quality types and ensure all customers receive the same quality of water. <br />Threshold and Evaluation Criteria <br />The application/project meets all four Threshold Criteria. The Applicant describes how this project will help <br />ensure higher quality water for all of its customers. While not explicitly addressed in the application, a <br />major finding of SWSI was that the ability of smaller rural water providers to adequately address their <br />existing and future water needs is significantly affected by their financial abilities. Furthermore, there was a <br />strong desire for the State to provide financial assistance. With this in mind, this project does not appear to